ROCKFORD — For the first time in many years, the city may freeze its property tax levy.

The Finance Committee voted Monday to keep the levy flat and passed the recommendation on for the City Council’s approval in the coming weeks.

The city could ask for up to 1.7 percent more in property taxes next year. To do it would cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $9 more in taxes next year, and the average household would pay about a 1 percent increase.

But with the freeze, the average homeowner will pay the same to the city next year, while some would pay more and some would pay less.

Rockford houses dropped an average of 7.3 percent in estimated value this year. So, if the value of a home dropped more than 7.3 percent, the owner would pay less next year. If the home’s value did not drop by that much, the owner would pay more.

The freeze, if it passes, would increase the city’s projected budget deficit next year from $567,000 to an even $1 million.

But the city can find ways to make up the difference, said Ald. Venita Hervey, D-5, who chairs the committee.

“Our position has improved this year,” she said.

For starters, the city can dip into its sanitation fund reserves to help bridge the gap, she said.

The fund had a $5 million surplus at the start of the year. But, starting Jan. 1, the city will be billed for trash collection by the number of homes served, which is a predictable expense, instead of by the amount of trash collected, which fluctuates every year.

Because there is no longer fear of trash bills rising unpredictably high, the city doesn’t need to save as much for an emergency, Hervey said.

The levy freeze is the first step to ultimately lowering property taxes in the city.

“It’s just a matter of the right strategies and the right spots to make cuts,” Ald. Jamie Getchius, R-2, said. “But if we can get to the point where we’re actually lowering the tax burden, I think we’ll see real estate prices climb back up.”

Aldermen will continue budget discussions, and staffers will present concrete deficit reduction recommendations, at 9 a.m. Saturday at City Hall.